A Year of Purpose, Progress and Possibility

Emma Balchin, Chief Executive of NGA, reflects on a year of challenge and achievement in governance and thanks the governance community for their dedication.

Blog

18/07/2025

As we reach the end of another remarkable year in school and trust governance, I want to thank you; for the countless hours you give, the difficult questions you ask, the decisions you make that improve educational experiences quietly but profoundly.

Looking ahead, next year marks a significant milestone for NGA, our 20th anniversary of supporting governance across England. Two decades of championing governance, offering guidance, training, and advocacy, has been built on the dedication and passion of our members.

At our National Governance Conference this year, our chair of trustees, Lawayne Jefferson, spoke of the strength, expertise and shared commitment that defines our community. As volunteers, we carry a unique role in the sector, but one that is increasingly more vital as schools and trusts face an ongoing need to adapt quickly to community need and societal change.

The Annual Governance Survey: a window into your experiences

Every year, our Annual Governance Survey gives us a clearer view of what you’re facing. This year’s findings paint a picture of a sector that is both deeply resilient and under increasing strain.

You told us you’re more committed than ever. 94% of governors and trustees said they feel they make a meaningful contribution to their school or trust. But you also told us you need more support: the financial pressures of escalating costs and falling pupil roles, recruitment challenges and the ever-present pressures on SEND provision weigh heavily on boards.

Your voices help us shine a light on these realities. They ensure that when we speak to policymakers, we don’t just talk in abstract terms – we bring real experiences, evidence and practical solutions to the table.

Looking ahead to September, NGA will continue to highlight these issues as part of our ongoing work. Through engagement with policymakers and collaboration with partners, we aim to keep these challenges in focus and encourage constructive dialogue on how best to support governance and the education system as a whole.

"I want to thank you; for the countless hours you give, the difficult questions you ask, the decisions you make that improve educational experiences quietly but profoundly."

Progress worth celebrating

Our collaboration with partners such as Parentkind, the NEU, ASCL, and NAHT, particularly through the School Cuts coalition, has strengthened our calls for fair investment in education. Together, we’ve helped secure funding that schools desperately needed. We’ve also achieved one of our long-term campaign goals with the extension of free school meals, and continue to engage closely with the government on the range of changes being delivered by the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

We welcomed the removal of single-word Ofsted judgements – a reform long overdue, and one that we hope, alongside other imminent reforms, will enable inspections to be more meaningful and respectful of the complexities of running a school or trust. One aspect of this is greater recognition of the fact that Ofsted is just one part of a much wider system of holding schools and trusts to account for the communities they serve. As the first line of accountability, governance must never be overlooked or taken for granted. I see it as a personal responsibility to ensure that your incredible work is increasingly acknowledged in the discussions and decisions of national policymakers.

A changing landscape – but a constant promise

We do all of this with one unshakable promise in mind: children come first. In a year that has seen a new government and the beginnings of significant policy shifts, that promise has anchored us at every turn. The stabilising force you carry for schools and trusts during times of leadership change is simply irreplaceable.

But, as well all know, there is no room for complacency; the SEND crisis persists — families are stretched to the limit, staff are overwhelmed, and budgets are tight. NGA’s continued presence on key government advisory groups enables us to ensure your frontline experiences influence decisions that shape the future of our education system.

Your leadership shapes our future

Governance doesn’t grab headlines, but its impact is undeniable – when done well, it sets the conditions for success.

You, our members, are the difference. You bring the questions that demand answers, the ambition that doesn’t settle, and the perspective that always brings us back to what matters most – the children and young people.

So, as we look ahead to the next academic year, my message is simple: keep going, keep telling us what you see, what you’re worried about and what you need. Keep challenging us to do more on your behalf. When governors and trustees stand united, we have the power to influence meaningful change and ensure every child has access to the opportunities and experiences they deserve.

Next year, as NGA celebrates our 20th anniversary, we’ll be sharing opportunities for you to get involved in marking this milestone — watch out for events, campaigns, and ways to connect with the wider governance community and capitalise on the learning of the past two decades from us and each other.

Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, and your belief in the transformative power of governance. As we step into our 20th year, let’s carry forward the ambition and leadership that define our community. Together, we govern for good, shaping a future where every child can thrive.

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Emma Balchin

Chief Executive

Emma has over 25 years of experience in education, leadership and school improvement and in leading professional development services. Emma has also governed and chaired across maintained schools, academy trusts and local academy committees.

View Emma's full profile